Honig Letter Ends Speculation He Will Fight for Job

State schools chief Bill Honig, awaiting sentencing for his conviction last week on felony conflict of interest charges, has sent a farewell message to local education officials, ending speculation that he might fight to keep his job.

Honig, a tireless battler for better school funding, urged officials to stay united for the upcoming annual state budget fight and to continue to build on the reforms that marked his 10 years in office.

“I now pass the torch,” Honig wrote Tuesday in a letter distributed to district and county superintendents and school principals by William D. (Dave) Dawson, executive deputy superintendent of public instruction, who assumes Honig’s post until Gov. Pete Wilson and the Legislature agree on a successor.

“We still have a fight for funding, and I am assured that the coalition which has been developed to advocate for public schools is strong and well positioned to represent the schools’ interest in the upcoming budget discussion,” Honig said.

Wilson spokeswoman Kassy Perry said the governor, who has declined comment since Honig was convicted on Friday, is unlikely to name a replacement until after Honig leaves office. Under state law, he was suspended immediately after the verdict, and will be removed upon sentencing, scheduled for Feb. 26.

Dawson released the letter on Wednesday but was not available to comment on it or on his priorities while he holds the post.

“Everyone I have talked to thinks it is crucial that the work of the reform programs continues,” Honig wrote. Referring to the sadness many educators expressed after he was convicted, Honig added: “Those of you who want to show me sympathy and encouragement could give me no better gift.”

A Sacramento Superior Court jury agreed with prosecutors that Honig, 55, had illegally steered more than $330,0000 in public contracts to a nonprofit educational foundation once headed by his wife, Nancy. Honig has steadfastly protested his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction.

There had been speculation that he also would challenge the state law that requires officeholders to surrender their posts upon conviction. But the letter to school officials left no doubt about his intentions. It began, “It is with great sadness that I leave this post.”

Times staff writer Daniel M. Weintraub contributed to this report.